2017 Swift Basecamp crossover caravan review

Haven’t we been here before? Swift isn’t the first major caravan maker to try and woo a younger, more active audience with a different style of caravan (Knaus, Adria and other spring to mind – and that’s just from recent years).

Unveiling the Basecamp at October’s Caravan and Motorhome Show, it described the concept as a “crossover camping vehicle”.

OK, so it’s a smaller, lighter, more distinctive looking unit (caravan, if you will) and you’ll likely have plenty of opportunities to go and see it for yourselves on dealer forecourts – and make up your own minds.

There are, in fact, two versions – Basecamp and Basecamp Plus. And if you fancy living beyond a traditional “white box”, well, here’s your chance. True, Basecamps are small – and light – easy to use and manoeuvre (apart from the fact that the smaller the ‘van the trickier it is to reverse), they’re also pretty stylish and funky.

As for the looks, the choice is yours – there are 13 different exterior styles. Shown here are the standard graphics, but you might want to pay the extra for something a bit more outrageous.

It’s definitely a cheeky number. Swift relies on its latest manufacturing techniques to give the Basecamp the benefits of its SMART Plus construction – tough GRP outer panels (sides, roof and underfloor) and a timber-free framework that uses polyurethane rather than damp-attracting wood.

The door is at the back – easier loading of gear is one of the reasons – and the layout comprises twin settees at the front and furniture units lining either side towards the back. There’s a kitchen along the offside and a wardrobe and washroom offside. Removable, zipped canvas bags in lieu of lockers represent a practical touch that’s in keeping with the Basecamp ethos. The Basecamp gets Swift’s Command system which enables users to remotely set heating, switch lights on and check battery levels. And of course as per other Swift caravans and motorhomes Basecamp gets the Swift Command Tracker security system as standard which will give buyers a healthy insurance discount should they choose to pay the annual subsription.

Despite its dinky dimensions, you’ll get a decent 1.98m x 1.83m double bed, or you can leave those settees as twin singles – 1.83m x 0.69m.

In standard trim, however, the Basecamp lacks quite a lot of equipment. Factor in the £595 Plus pack – oven/grill, solar panel, door flyscreen, TV aerial and bracket, external shower, gas and electrical points – and there’s good reason to believe most people will, and you’re nibbling away at an already paltry load allowance. The 111kg starting payload isn’t very high at all – active couples may well have heavier gear they want to lug around, for example – and the Pack adds some 25kg to the mass in running order.

There’s also the Basecamp Plus model, although its 904kg/1,015kg MRO/MTPLM still only give you the same 111kg initial payload.

So will it attract those tent campers looking to start caravanning? It’s a huge step from the £1,000 tops an “outdoor family” will pay for their canvas accommodation. Then again, plenty of tent campers make the step up to a solid four walls and roof over their head after enduring one too many disastrous meetings with the British weather. But, has Swift missed a trick in not offering more berths? Active young couples soon turn into families with small children… perhaps that’s where the Vango AirBeam inflatable awning (as shown in the lead image above) comes into play…

So, the Basecamp is definitely more off-road than middle-of-the-road. Let’s celebrate the fact that there’s something refreshingly different on the market that might just turn into more than a talking point.

We’d love to hear what you think about the Basecamp. Add a comment below.

Note: All details correct at time of publication but may be subject to change.

*Caravan insurance cost based on Swift Basecamp caravan retailing at £15,940 fitted with hitchlock, wheelclamp, ATC, and Swift Command tracker. Kept on drive at HX4 0BE. Caravanners over 30 years old, claim free for 3 years and a member of a caravanning club. £100 excess. 180 days European cover and up to £75 per day for up to 15 days emergency accommodation cover included. Legal expenses cover, extended European cover and other emergency accommodation expenses cover options are available at extra cost. Quote includes 10% online discount and 10% Insurance Premium Tax and is correct as of 18.10.16.

The ATC trailer control will help to give you more control of your caravan when towing. It works by braking the caravan’s wheels if it senses loss of control. This helps to prevent snaking and keeps the caravan under control during extreme driving conditions, such as hard braking or swerving to avoid an accident. Plus you’ll get a small discount if insuring with Caravan Guard. https://www.caravanguard.co.uk/touring-caravan-insurance/

We have bought a Basecamp and absolutely love it, use it mostly for weekends away, but we don’t use the awning because we can’t be bothered to put it up. So if anyone wants a Basecamp awning for half price please get in touch.

Nice appearance, neat layout, but too little payload and too little ground clearance for real adventures. If it were 20cm narrower, (the width of the largest tow vehicle), it would be more handy for access to interesting places off the beaten track as well. The TripBuddy is more like it, though its huge back door and huge price are a problem.

Got our Basecamp in July we are both retired and we love it. No fancy fussy curtains etc. Lovely and warm. Did develop a leak in roof of bathroom Possibly due to a ‘Friday afternoon finish sealant’ But all sorted under warranty all fine now. Have been to a couple of festivals and lots of people our age 65 plus looking at our van very interested in downsizing. They were very impressed with the layout. Bit like a Tardis -larger on the inside than looks on the outside. With the Vango awning it doubles the size. Ideal as have two dogs so can put the dog cage in awning. Although we are looking for a smaller awning for overnight touring. Very easy to tow and push around when not hooked up. So the Basecamp is not only for younger people us oldies love it too.

Deposit paid can’t wait for spring 2018, owned a t@b few years back & the basecamp just wins in my opinion, nothing I don’t like, I am 6’3″ tall and found the t@b headroom too low, the swift has height to spare.
I love these small campers , they can live on a driveway without annoying neighbours & be driven down single track roads larger caravans or motorhomes fear, Scotland here we come. 16k well spent.

I have a Tab 320 and my wife and I just love it. It is so easy to tow and I believe it holds the world record for fastest towed caravan. Having looked at the Swift Base Camp I am very tempted but I will stick with our Tab for the moment.

We love it’s unique style and practicality.in my opinion,doesn’t look like you are towing your living room about with you!
Rear entry door means easy access for bikes etc.
Has everything we could require in a lightweight van,and that awesome awning!
Have ordered one due in Spring 2018..can’t wait.

Thanks for the comment D Miller. It’s great to hear from a Basecamp buyer – we had a really good look around the model at Swift’s launch event last year and thought it was very innovative. We loved the specially designed awning too as added so much more living space. Hope you have lots of fun in it when it arrives.

For durability & build quality, ease of towing. A real icon & a master at holding it’s price. Being a much sort after easy to tow caravan then you wouldn’t go far wrong in choosing an Eriba touring. Lots of different models to choose from.

Hi Ron, if you download the brochure on the Swift Basecamp website it converts the measurements and weights. Click here: https://www.swiftbasecamp.co.uk/ and scroll down the page to download the brochure. It can be found on the Specification and Layout page. Hope this helps?